Wilder looks to extend Oxford United's unbeaten run

First published
in U's News
by David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

AFTER two encouraging cup results in the last week, Oxford United turn their focus back to the all-important league campaign tomorrow.

A 3-3 draw at Accrington Stanley last weekend set up a replay in the FA Cup next week, while a 1-1 midweek stalemate at Plymouth Argyle in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was followed by a United win on a penalty shoot-out.

But while progress in the cups is very welcome, the season will ultimately be judged on results in npower League Two.

United have a chance to improve their position with a win against Aldershot when they get back to the bread and butter of league football this weekend.

After guiding his side to an unbeaten run of four games – their longest sequence since August, U’s manager Chris Wilder is upbeat.

He said: “They’ve not been spectacular results, but I think the play in general has been good.

“The next game is always the most important and Saturday is a really key one for us.

“The opportunity is there, we’re going to have to keep our foot on the gas, Aldershot had a fantastic win at Fleetwood last week.

“There’s no easy rides in this league, but we’ve shown if we’re at it and are positive we can take anybody on, especially at home.”

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United will be hoping to replicate their last display at the Kassam, when they won 2-1 against in-form Northampton Town.

Wilder felt the role of United’s supporters was crucial and called for similar backing tomorrow.

He said: “Possibly the Aldershot manager will be saying the same things as the Northampton manager said in terms of making our crowd quiet and turning them.

“I’ve got to say I didn’t see that against Northampton, Torquay (a 0-0 draw) and to be fair I didn’t even really see it against Dagenham & Redbridge (a 3-2 defeat).

“That’s full credit to the support knowing on the whole what we’re going through and that is a really good connection that players and supporters are together in the goal of going forward and doing well.”

TICKETS will be on sale at the ground for the 12th Man Christmas Raffle. They will be available at 50 pence each, with proceeds going to the supporters’ group.